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North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Launches Rural Health Transformation Program to Improve Healthcare Access

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Launches Rural Health Transformation Program to Improve Healthcare Access

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has initiated its Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to enhance healthcare services for rural residents across the state. This five-year, statewide initiative aims to establish collaborative, locally managed, and regionally unique networks of medical, support, and behavioral health professionals and services. As part of RHTP, NCDHHS has launched NC ROOTS (Rural Organizations Orchestrating Transformation for Sustainability), which will lead efforts in each of North Carolina's Medicaid regions. Access East has been selected to lead the ROOTS Hub for eastern North Carolina, a region with a significant concentration of the state's estimated 3 million rural residents. The program seeks to connect providers, service and faith organizations, community partners, and local leaders to strengthen and improve access to quality healthcare and health-related social services for underserved rural populations. This initiative is supported by a fin...

Durham Water Feature Identified as Likely Source of Fatal 'Brain-Eating' Amoeba Infection

Durham Water Feature Identified as Likely Source of Fatal 'Brain-Eating' Amoeba Infection

A state investigation has identified a water feature at El Futuro, a nonprofit mental health organization in Durham, North Carolina, as the most likely source of a rare 'brain-eating' amoeba infection that resulted in the death of a teenager. While the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) cannot definitively confirm the exact location of exposure, epidemiological, laboratory, and environmental findings strongly suggest the water feature was the source. Investigators believe the teen splashed water on his face in the clinic's outdoor green space on August 13. He was admitted to the emergency room on August 21 with severe headaches and died on August 31. El Futuro has released a statement expressing sorrow and confirming the closure of the water feature since being contacted by county officials. Durham County health officials closed the water feature on August 28 for CDC testing, which detected non-viable Naegleria fowleri DNA in water from the fountain's storage tank. The NCDHHS i...

Asheville Citizen-Times

CDC raises rabies concerns in US. Comes after NC baby goats test positive

CDC raises rabies concerns in US. Comes after NC baby goats test positive

Mass exposure events including an North Carolina events involving baby goats have also increased according to the CDC alert.

Senator Ted Budd Applauds $32 Million EDA Investment for North Carolina Disaster Relief and Public Works

Senator Ted Budd Applauds $32 Million EDA Investment for North Carolina Disaster Relief and Public Works

U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has expressed his approval of a significant investment by the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The EDA is allocating over $32 million towards disaster relief and public works projects within North Carolina. This funding is intended to support critical infrastructure and recovery efforts in the state. The announcement highlights the ongoing commitment to bolstering North Carolina's resilience against future disasters and improving its public infrastructure. This initiative is part of broader federal efforts to provide financial assistance to states for essential projects that contribute to economic stability and community well-being, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters. The investment underscores the collaborative efforts between federal agencies and state representatives to address pressing needs.

North Carolina Food Insecurity Worsens Due to Rising Prices and Federal Aid Cuts

North Carolina Food Insecurity Worsens Due to Rising Prices and Federal Aid Cuts

North Carolina is experiencing a significant increase in food insecurity, now worse than during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Amy Beros, President of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, and Liz Reasoner, CEO of the Food Bank of the Albemarle. A conservative estimate indicates that one out of seven North Carolinians is food insecure, a number that has risen sharply in the last five years. This growing crisis is attributed to a combination of soaring prices for goods and substantial cuts to federal food assistance programs. During Hunger Awareness Month, these experts discussed the scope of the crisis, the practical challenges households face in acquiring healthy food, and the difficulties food banks encounter in serving the increasing number of people in need.

The Latest: House votes for a third time to end the Iran war as conflict drags on

The Latest: House votes for a third time to end the Iran war as conflict drags on

The U.S. House has voted again to end the war in Iran, approving a war powers resolution that would halt President Donald Trump’s ability to continue military action without congressional approval

Carolina Panthers and Bank of America Launch '3rd Goal' Community Initiative

Carolina Panthers and Bank of America Launch '3rd Goal' Community Initiative

The Carolina Panthers, in collaboration with Bank of America, have launched a new flagship community initiative called '3rd & Goal.' This program is designed to invest in critical childhood development years across North and South Carolina, focusing on three key pillars: literacy, physical wellness, and personal well-being. The initiative aims to reach 10,000 students annually. 'Read 20' encourages young people to read for twenty minutes daily, recognizing that reading proficiency by third grade is a significant predictor of long-term academic and life success. 'Play 60,' an NFL-wide initiative, promotes at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children, addressing the low activity levels in both Carolinas. Finally, 'Feel 100' supports students' personal well-being through literacy, discussion, and experiential learning to help them understand emotions, practice self-regulation, and build healthy social connections, aligning with Blue Cross NC's youth mental health strategy.

Asheville Citizen-Times

Niche names the top 10 places to live in NC. Did your town make it?

Niche names the top 10 places to live in NC. Did your town make it?

Niche named the top 10 places to live in North Carolina and the United States. Here's which communities came out on top.

Wednesday Celebrate ‘Bleeds’ Anniversary With Deluxe Edition, Delightful New Demo

Wednesday Celebrate ‘Bleeds’ Anniversary With Deluxe Edition, Delightful New Demo

North Carolina indie rockers introduced "June 2 (Early Version)" into their set list rotation this year

Representative Tim Moore Raises Concerns Over Healthcare Fraud and Costs in North Carolina Hearing

Representative Tim Moore Raises Concerns Over Healthcare Fraud and Costs in North Carolina Hearing

Representative Tim Moore, representing Gaston County, voiced concerns regarding healthcare fraud and its impact on North Carolina families during a House Judiciary subcommittee field hearing in Charlotte. The hearing, titled “Examining Healthcare Markets: Fraud and Competition,” addressed various issues including mergers, certificate-of-need laws, regulations, vertical integration, and alleged fraudulent insurance practices. Moore highlighted that fraud and government subsidies might be contributing to the high cost and inaccessibility of healthcare in the state. He cited estimates suggesting that a significant portion of healthcare spending could be attributed to waste, fraud, or abuse. The discussion also touched upon the federal government's substantial contribution to ACA Medicaid expansion enrollees, which creates incentives for states to maximize federal payments, potentially leading to improper enrollments. Moore emphasized the need for increased competition and reform within the healthcare market t...

Wilmington Star-News

Brunswick store sells more lottery tickets than anywhere else in NC

Brunswick store sells more lottery tickets than anywhere else in NC

A new report from the N.C. State Auditor's Office found that a Brunswick County store was the top lottery retailer in the state.

North Carolina Peatland Restoration Project Aims to Combat Climate Change and Preserve Ecosystems

North Carolina Peatland Restoration Project Aims to Combat Climate Change and Preserve Ecosystems

A significant peatland restoration project is underway in North Carolina, led by Colorado-based company Pantheon Regeneration. The initiative focuses on a 23-square-mile tract where decades of drainage ditches, originally dug for an abandoned farming venture, have left the peatlands vulnerable to drought and wildfires, altering native habitats and releasing 130,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. Peatlands, while accounting for only 3% of global land surface, store one-third of the Earth’s carbon dioxide. However, when degraded, they become major emitters of greenhouse gases. Pantheon's plan involves blocking ditches to control the water table, culling invasive species, and replanting native flora. This project is modeled after other successful restorations, including the nearby Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest peatland restoration efforts in the U.S. The company also plans to sell carbon credits to fund the restoration and preservation of a million acres of peatland along the Ea...